A/N thanks to all reviewers, I have tried to take into account your comment, this one is a bit longer. Enjoy!
Oceanspike: Thanks for the positive review, I am in the middle of some big exams at the moment but I will continue to update as soon as possible!!
Tindomiel-PA: Took your advice about spacing out a bit more, I couldn't work out how to do it last time, not much expansion on setting is lined up but plot will get a lot fluffier and a lot more sinister hope you enjoy!
Ossini(): I know what you mean I lend my books to my friends all the time, fortunately I now have mine back and can correctly spell tiragen!
Chapter 2: introductions
"Alanna, come on you will be late, seriously Alanna!" Thom paced outside his sisters room, he was dressed as smartly as a first year squire was meant to and adjusted his shirt collar before knocking loudly on Alanna's door
"Alan..." Thom was cut short by his sister opening the door. Alanna was wearing a beautiful light purple dress that matched her eyes. The corset framed her figure perfectly accentuating all of the right curves; the dress then branched off into an elegant A-line skirt, which brushed the top of a pair of dainty silk slippers. Alanna's hair had been pulled up at the back with two ringlets framing her face. Her cheekbones had been highlighted with some face paint and there was a slight colour on her lips.
"Thom, stop gawping and take me to the ball, I have to be presented to their majesties and I don't want to be made late by my idiot of a brother who is looking remarkably like a fish. Close your mouth!" Thom grinned, it was Alanna after all.
"Mithros, I thought I looked good, put me to shame why don't you" Thom said sarcastically.
"Well hopefully you weren't trained to look good by a whole group of sisters who insist on 'lessons' in how to correctly apply face paint." Replied Alanna with a grin.
As they reached the doors to the great hall Alanna felt butterflies deep in her stomach
"Squire Thom and Lady Alanna of Trebond" Cried the Herald. As they descended the stairs Alanna was conscious of every person in the room looking at her.
"Don't worry, you look gorgeous, smile" whispered Thom. Alanna smiled her thanks for the encouragement as she reached the King and Queen.
"Your majesties may I present my sister Lady Alanna of Trebond" Alanna curtsied low as Roald welcomed her to Corus, before being ushered away by Thom.
Alanna breathed a sigh of relief; at least she didn't fall over. She was considering going to stand on the balcony when the most beautiful man she'd ever seen started strolling over in her direction. He was a good six foot, broad shouldered and walked like he had been born mingling in balls. His hair was raven black and he had a fantastic pair of piercing blue eyes which had just locked with her own. Alanna was disturbed during her thoughts of this man by a light tap on her shoulder. Alanna spun round
"Lady Alanna, it is an absolute pleasure to finally meet you, I am Sir Alex of Tirragen your fiancé." Alanna's heart stopped and her head swam she vaguely felt herself reply with dignity but inside she was screaming, she was to be married to this slimy, self important man? She recovered from her shock just in time to hear Alex make an excuse and wander off.
"Goddess help me" she muttered, "My marriage is doomed" Just then Thom returned;
"Alanna, let me introduce you to my friends, this is Rauol" A tall man stepped forward and kissed Alanna's hand looking entirely awkward about the whole situation. Alanna smiled; at least she wasn't the only one.
".. And this ugly brute is Lord Gareth the Younger"
"I prefer to be known as Gary by beautiful young ladies." Gary grinned and kissed Alanna's hand gently, Alanna blushed, she wasn't used to such attention.
"Leave her alone Gary, she isn't used to your flirtations" Thom stepped in front of Gary in a mock attempt to protect his sister from the horrors of Gary's unashamed flirting. Gary beamed down at Alanna
"Sorry Lady, its my nature to flirt with such beauties like yourself" Gary was cut short by a sharp elbow in his ribs. Alanna giggled behind her hand.
"Uh-hum, Thom you haven't introduced me yet"
"Calm down Jon, I was saving the best till last, Alanna this is Prince Jonathon of Conte." The handsome man Alanna had seen earlier took her hand in both his own and expressed his heartfelt welcome. Alanna tried in vain to stop herself trembling at his touch. Jon however did not notice mesmerised as he was by Lady Alanna's eyes. They were even more stunning up close. Neither of them noticed the sniggers of the other boys as they stood their silently looking at each other. It wasn't until the music started that they both realised Jon still had Alanna's hand firmly clasped in his own. He rapidly dropped it as Alanna turned a shade of crimson to rival her hair. Jon looked at the floor, before raising his eyes to meet hers he grinned as he saw how red Alanna had turned; at least he wasn't the only one feeling embarrassed. The rest of the boys made their excuses and left, Thom being dragged by the others. After a few minutes of painfully awkward silence, stealing looks at each other and blushing when they were caught. Jon finally asked Alanna to dance. Alanna readily accepted much to Jon's relief and they spent the rest of the evening dancing and talking to each other; oblivious of the watchful eye of Sir Alex of Tirragen.